The first item on my list of great gift ideas, and clearly the most expensive, is the Spark Drone by DJI. It’s not for everyone. But if you know a techie type who likes photography, flying, and travel. And if your budget can handle it, well then the DJI Spark is seriously worth considering for 2017.

DJI is, in my humble opinion, the number one company in the “DRONE” business. Their products are top notch, cutting edge flying devices. I’ve owned and flown their Phantom quadracopter in the past and loved it. This year DJI released the Spark which is again a very high tech, state of the art, quadracopter“drone” in a small package. I immediately got one and I love it. The size makes it much more friendly for the traveler interested toting a drone to foreign lands for some outstanding video. The smaller size also makes it less intimidating for others – so rather than complaining about flying your drone around them they are much more likely to walk up and want to see it and learn about it. The technical wizardy of DJI makes this drone very stable, usable, fun and easy to fly. And of course it shoots high quality still images and video using it’s 2 axis stablized gimbal allowing you to get views and perspectives never before possible from such a small and compact flyer.

The DJI Spark is very intelligent. Purchase just the Spark itself and It can be flown with hand signals! Or, if you would prefer, you can also download the free DJI app and use your smart phone or tablet to give you better control. But if you want the full blown experience of really operating and controlling the Spark to the full extent of it’s abilities you will want to get the remote controller (additional cost item). With it you get much more control, range and precision. In fact, I’m not sure I would recommend the Spark without the controller. Sans controller it is sort of a high priced “selfie” drone. It will shoot images and do some tricks but range and ability is a bit limited using hand controls and still somewhat limited with smartphone / table app control. Don’t get me wrong. It can do alot – and I mean alot with just hand signals or your tablet/smartphone controller But add the remote controller and your flying experience rockets to a much higher level of precision performce, control and enjoyment. The Spark is sold as a stand alone for $399.00. With a remote controller the price is $499.00. But, again – in my humble opinion – the best deal is the Spark Fly More Package which gives you the Spark, remote controller, 2 extra batteries ( you are gonna want them – flight time @ 12 minutes per battery), multibattery charger, prop guards,extra props, and a very handy carry case – cost is $599.00. Not cheap it is true. But maybe for “that special someone” or perhaps something to put on your own “gift to self” list………

CLICK BELOW TO REVIEW – DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

SPARK FLYMORE COMBO –

SPARK DRONE –

SPARK CONTROLLER –

*********************************************************

Bag Bungee

Bag Bungee by Travelon simplifies the traveler’s life. Fully adjustable, use it to securely attach an item – a coat, briefcase, or smaller 2nd bag for example, to the top of your main travel rolling suitcase. Very practical and handy for the traveler. Carry more with less effort.

Available through Amazon for $11.99

CLICK BELOW TO REVIEW – DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

******************************************************

Luggage Locks

Travel Locks – TSA approved – are always welcome and very handy gifts for those travelers on your gift list. And, as an added bonus – they won’t break the bank. The set of four pictured below is available for $18.95 on Amazon.

CLICK BELOW TO REVIEW – DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

**********************************************

Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes can be a traveler’s best friend. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and help keep your bag from becoming a jumble of twisted and confused items. Organization for the traveler’s bag and a new sense of calm and order for the traveler’s mind. The colorful set of 5 pictured below is available on Amazon for $22.95.

CLICK BELOW TO REVIEW – DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

********************************************************

Power Outlet Strips

Hotel rooms simply do not have enough power outlets for today’s tech minded traveler. Multiple Outlet Power Strips can be a lifesaver for recharging and connecting all those electrical devices. The set pictured below is available at Amazon for $19.99 and is a good deal because: 1) for that price you get TWO power outlets, 2) they have a relatively long cord making it more convenient to position the power strip for recharging purposes, and 3) they include not only electrical outlets (3) but also USB outlets (3).

CLICK BELOW TO REVIEW – DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

*******************************************************

Waterproof Travel Speaker

Travel enough are there will be times when you tire of trying to find good music on the local radio or cable TV stations. And there will be situations where you would like to just enjoy your music without the hassle of using earphones. Enter the small, portable, and in this case “waterproof”, travel speaker. Connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and “presto” – you have your favorite playlist or album playing in your room, your rental car – wherever you would like. (Personally, I never thought I would use such a speaker but after recieving a small one as a promotional item from Latam Airlines(serving South American destinations) at a travel trade show I tried it and have never looked back. I’m listening to mine now as I write this article in Thailand). The one pictured below is a bit larger and has more features than my speaker. Check it out.

The “Ozzie” pictured below is available through Amazon at a cost of $18.99.

CLICK BELOW TO REVIEW – DECIDE IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

*****************************

AND WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT OF GIFTS –

EVER THINK OF A “GIFT of SUPPORT” FOR TRAVEL AND PHOTO TODAY?

Well, here is a really easy and painless way to support Travel And Photo Today. If you are shopping via AMAZON now, or at any time actually, it would be great if you would consider purchasing through the Travel And Photo Today blog affiliate links for the items above. Or, if you are shopping AMAZON FOR ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING you can do so through our general blog affiliate AMAZON LINK below – The cost to you will be EXACTLY THE SAME but Amazon will give Travel And Photo Today a small commission – helping to support (in a tiny way – trust me) my travel photography and writing and my ability to continue Travel And Photo Today!

Thanks For Visiting!

Hope you enjoyed the article. Please leave a comment, make a suggestion, offer your opinion.
Don't forget to Subscribe (above) to get new articles delivered directly to you via E-Mail
Come Back Soon ................... Enjoy The Adventure!